Put your own oxygen mask on first, is what they tell us, when you fly with kids. In my home, the oxygen mask gets put on my child and husband first. I continuously sacrifice myself to serve my family, but it is my own doing.

We new moms often struggle with:

1. Lack of positive feedback from mothering
2. Isolation
3. Loneliness
4. Guilt about self-care/time for yourself
5. Struggle with high expectations
6. Fatigue

I struggle with numbers 1, 4, 5, 6 on a weekly basis. A fellow mom brought the following to my attention; the lack of care for myself does not just affect me but also models to my child and husband how they should care for themselves. I’ve always said that actions speak louder to me than words. So it makes sense that I should be a better role model in taking care of mama.

The following are ways I “attempt” to put my own oxygen mask on first:

Physical & Emotional Care

1. I try to remember my new value, purpose and worth as a mother.
2. Take a nap at least once a week (or every 2 weeks). This is so hard for me to do as I really need 34+ hours in a day to finish my lists. I just don’t want to give my time up for sleep. Huge personal struggle. However, when I get too tired, I just run out of steam, and patience, for caring for the rest of my family so I know naps are important.
3. Stay connected and busy with my friends. My friends bring me laughter, joy, and so much more.
4. Exercise at least 15minutes a day: Easily done: yoga with baby/child, running around with child, exercise with child while playing on playground, stretches and yoga while singing songs to child(such as wheels on the bus, I’m a little teapot, ABCs) or a brisk walk around the block.
5. Creative outlets as a SAHM: such as starting this blog!
6. Make down-time for me, usually by reading a book 30minutes before falling asleep. Reading brings a lot of peace. However, I have to read just a fun, "for me", type of book. I can’t read a parenting or marriage book because my mind will never stop thinking to slow down enough for sleep.

Spiritual Care

1. Spend time in God’s word
2. Meditate on bible verses that help to bring peace & strength: see some favorites below.
3. Attend a mom’s bible study for fellowship, community and mentoring
4. Visit other mom blogs: see some, linked up with this week with, below

He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Psalm 28:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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